Accessibility and Assistive Technology
Funding Sources for Home Modification
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Funding for home modifications are limited, however, there are both private and public resources. A home equity loan may be an appropriate source of funding if there is sufficient equity in the home and the financial resources to repay the loan. There are also tax credits available and deductions that may offset the expenses. For information call the Center for Universal Design 1-800-647-6777. The availability of these funds is related to the homeowner’s income, owner or renter status, age, type of disability, and type or cost of modification. Finding resources may require time and research to find what is available. Sometimes the rehabilitation specialist (either occupational or physical) who helped with the evaluation of the person with brain injury and their environment may have some leads.
In Georgia an excellent resource for locating funding is found at www.gatfl.org under Dollars and Sense Funding Guide.
Because of the cost involved with renovating, the homeowner might not be able to afford to do all the modifications needed at once. If this is the case, establish a priority plan of phased-in renovations beginning with the most important areas to modify for the person’s safety and function. This can make what seems like an insurmountable problem an achievable project.
Sometimes modifying a home may not be the best solution. Moving to a new location may be a better choice if: the modifications are so extensive that the cost would exceed the market value of the home after modifications; if the upheaval of construction is going to be too disruptive; if the homeowner is planning to relocate in the near future for various reasons, i.e. retiring, change in job, moving to assisted living.
Pat Daviou has been an occupational therapist for 29 years. She works in the Assistive Technology Center at the Shepherd Center in Atlanta, Georgia. As part of a home evaluation team which also includes design professionals, she is involved in home evaluations for clients with various disabilities.